COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD

Architectural

Going back in history, in 1972 when Casta del Sol was being built, there was no local building department. So, if you have replaced your driveway or patio recently, you know that no steel reinforcement (rebar) was placed into the area before the cement was poured.

If you decide you need a concrete walkway on the side of your home or you want to replace your driveway, you will need to submit an application for the proposed new concrete work. If the new concrete is poured between two homes, an expansion joint against your neighbor’s property is recommended.

We also recommend that your contractor install steel reinforcement in poured concrete projects. Driveways that are replaced with pavers do not need the steel reinforcement but do need an application to be submitted.

We encourage each homeowner to keep up with what is best for our special neighborhood and to maintain the quality of the Casta homes and their value.

John Nicsinger, Co-Chair, (818) 261-5316

Mary Kay Crowley, Co-Chair, (949) 412-8735

Linda Silverman, Liaison

Budget and Finance

The Budget and Finance (B&F) Committee reviewed the March financial statements which included the 2022 adjustments made by the auditor at our April meeting. The draft audited 2022 financial statements were presented to the Board for approval as recommended by the B&F Commit- tee. The final 2022 audited financial statements will soon be mailed to homeowners.

A few of the B&F members continue to attend the Board Ad Hoc Committee meetings to discuss improvements to the Policy Guidelines for Board-Appointed Committees document as well as other policies.

All residents are welcome to attend the B&F meetings. The Budget and Finance Committee meets regularly on the third Monday of each month at 1 p.m. in the Vista Room. Our May meeting will be held on May 15.

Please look for the eblasts with additional details about our next meeting.

Lisa Shoemaker, Chair, (949) 305-6336

Karen Warren, Liaison

Courier

The Courier Committee is always seeking to improve the publication we bring to our community. We have had a writers’ workshop and a photographers’ workshop to share ideas, update guidelines, and support each other. We will also be updating our Rules and Regulations and our Committee Guidebook.

There are always so many activities taking place, new projects, and social events that we want to highlight and have enough content to fill the next several issues. We are looking at ways to have non-staff writers contribute to our publication so we are embarking on “person on the street” type interviews. We are continuing to ask our residents to volunteer to be interviewed if they have a unique talent or background, want to write a restaurant review, or share a story about a great trip.

We are so fortunate to have so many enthusiastic volunteers participate in our monthly “stuffing” event. For the April issue we had 58 volunteers and finished preparing the Courier for delivery in 39 minutes. Please join us to connect with your neighbors, volunteer for the good of our community, and on top of that, get free donuts and bagels.

The Courier Committee meets every second Wednesday of the month at 9:30 a.m. in the Fiesta Room to discuss the previous month’s issue and review assignments for future issues.

Debra Friedman, Chair, (949) 230-7195

Linda Silverman, Liaison

Election

As of April 3, five candidates have submitted their applications and resumes to fill the three open Board of Directors positions in the June 22 election. Their pictures and resumes start on the front page of this issue. The appearance order was determined by random draw. The last day to apply was April 16, so there may be more than five candidates on the final ballot. You can find additional information in the General Notice of Election and Voting Information that was posted on April 22, as noted in the April Courier

At the May 25 Meet the Candidates Night, Casta del Sol members will have the opportunity to hear the candidates tell why they should be elected. The candidates will also answer questions submitted by the attending and viewing audience. The campaign meeting will be held in the Vista Room at 6 p.m. and can be viewed on Zoom. Ballots will be mailed to CdS members the week of May 15. Please vote!

The Election Committee planned the agenda for the Meet the Candidates Night and discussed campaigning at its April 5 meeting. Association funds may not be used for any campaign purposes (Civil Code 5145), but every candidate is ensured equal access to association media, newsletters, and internet website. Barbara Harris, Inspector of Elections, noted that the staff has continued to process Voter List updates with the final Voter List due May 5.

Jeff McCoy, Chair, (714) 293-9949

David Shostak, Liaison

Facilities

Spring is in the air! Residents are out walking, swimming, gardening, attending various club activities and committee meetings. It’s a great way of staying connected with residents.

There are two items requiring homeowner attention. The trash bins located at Rec Ctr 2 by the Vegetable Garden are not for dumping unwanted household items and trash or for vendors/contractors to dump materials removed from homes. Also, no bathing of animals at Rec Ctr 2 Pool Restrooms is allowed. For information, refer to the HOA Rules & Regulations in the directory, page 20.

Proposals for the 2023 paving project have been reviewed by the Board. We hope to start the project this June. Rain has caused delays in home painting. Check the HOA website for schedule updates.

Other projects for 2023 include gate locking systems at Rec Ctr 1 and the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, working on a “Statement of Work” for the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, new awning, umbrella covers, and picnic tables at Paddle Tennis, remodel of the Ceramics rooms, replacing chairs used in meeting rooms, replacing controllers at the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, replacing lawn bowling back boards, removing the shade structure at the Rec Ctr 2 Pool, fixing and replacing chain link fencing between Gates 1 and 2, replacing wrought iron fencing at Gate 1. We are also looking into future capital items including new pickleball courts, a dog park, and an upgrade of the Lawn Bowling Pavilion. The Facilities Committee continues to investigate these items.

The Facilities Committee meets monthly on the fourth Thursday at 9 a.m. in person in the Vista Room or online via Zoom.

Nancy Cunningham, Chair, (949) 350-3562

Matt Loftus, Liaison

Greenbelt

Spring has sprung and with it the completion of the Jeronimo Road slope replanting project! Colorful Carissa macrocarpa “Green Carpet” (green with white flowers), Callistemon dwarf “Little John” (green with red flowers), Rhaphiolepis indica “Pink Lady” (green with pink flowers), Salvia leucantha dwarf “Santa Barbara” (green with purple flowers), Tecomaria (green with orange flowers), topped off with Leucophyllum frutescens compacta “Texas Ranger” (grey with pink flowers) will provide abounding

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